A quad tear has ruled O'Loughlin out of Saturday's tournament decider in Brisbane, where NRL star Burgess will lead Wayne Bennett's team against holders and favourites Australia.

Beating the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium would be a huge coup for England and, while it remains to be seen if they can indeed stun the co-hosts, Burgess wants the sidelined Wigan Warriors man to stay involved.

"It's unfortunate for Sean, who has been a huge part of our success in this," the South Sydney Rabbitohs player said.

"He's a fantastic player to have in the team so it's obviously a huge loss."

As for the honour of stepping in for O'Loughlin, Burgess added: "It's fantastic for me. It's a job I don't take lightly. I love being in this position.

"I don't think it gets much better than the World Cup final and it will be a special moment, although it's kind of bitter-sweet if I'm honest.

"Sean has been captain the whole tournament and he'll lift the trophy if we get to that situation."

Sean O'Loughlin has been ruled out of tomorrow's #RLWC2017 final with a quad strain.